Kim Kardashian stands by Kimono line despite appropriation backlash: I 'have deep respect'

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Kim Kardashian West faces backlash over Kimono shapewear; Britney Spears’ conservatorship sues blogger for defamation; Tom Holland premieres “Spider-Man: Far From Home” in Los Angeles. (June 27)
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Kim Kardashian-West has no plans to change the name of her Kimono line. 

The makeup mogul faced accusations of cultural appropriation after announcing her new shapewear line, Kimono Solutionwear. Although Kimono is a play on her first name, fans slammed the reality star for trying profit off the term for a traditional Japanese garment.

However, Kardashian-West is standing by her product’s moniker.

“I made the decision to name my company Kimono, not to disassociate the word from its Japanese roots but as a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment,” she said in a statement to The New York Times Thursday. 

‘#KimOhNo’:Kim Kardashian’s plan to trademark ‘Kimono’ angers Twitter

Kardashian-West told the outlet that she has no plans “to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment,” adding that she has “deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture.”

And for anyone who took particular offense to her trademarking the word? It’s just business, Kardashian-West explained. 

“Filing a trademark is a source identifier that will allow me to use the word for my shapewear and intimates line but does not preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment,” she told the Times.

Watch out Spanx:Kim Kardashian is launching her own shapewear line

Finally I can share with you guys this project that I have been developing for the last year.
I’ve been passionate about this for 15 years.

Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work.

Photos by Vanessa Beecroft pic.twitter.com/YAACrRltX3

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 25, 2019

Despite being accused of being culturally insensitive, Kardashian-West said she actually built her shapewear line with “inclusivity and diversity at its core.” 

“I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come,” she added. 

Kardashian-West first revealed her product on Twitter Tuesday, writing, “Finally I can share with you guys this project that I have been developing for the last year. I’ve been passionate about this for 15 years. Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work.”

The announcement sparked the Twitter hashtag #KimOhNo.

“Been here since kimonos were still part of Asian culture and heritage, and not rebranded by American billionaires for more money,” one user tweeted.

More: Fans have mixed reactions to Kim Kardashian’s quest to exonerate death row inmate

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